The confirmed starting lineups for the most recent Nottingham Forest vs Man City fixture in the 2025/26 Premier League season saw Nottingham Forest deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation featuring Igor Jesus leading the line, while Manchester City utilized a flexible 4-3-2-1 system with Erling Haaland supported by Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki. Manchester City secured a narrow 2-1 victory in this encounter on December 27, 2025, with goals from Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the tactical shifts under managers Sean Dyche and Pep Guardiola, recent injury updates including the absence of Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, and historical head-to-head statistics.
Nottingham Forest Starting XI Analysis
Under the stewardship of Sean Dyche, Nottingham Forest has adopted a disciplined and physically imposing 4-2-3-1 structure. This setup prioritizes defensive solidity while utilizing the explosive pace of wingers like Callum Hudson-Odoi to catch elite teams on the counter-attack.
Defensive Structure and Midfield Pivot
The defensive line is anchored by the central pairing of Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic, providing a blend of aerial dominance and ball-playing ability. Behind them, goalkeeper John Victor has become a mainstay, known for his shot-stopping reflexes in high-pressure matches against “Big Six” opposition.
In the midfield, the double pivot of Elliot Anderson and Nicolas Dominguez provides the engine room. Their primary role is to disrupt Manchester City’s rhythm, with Dominguez often tasked as the dedicated ball-winner while Anderson links play to the creative spark of Morgan Gibbs-White.
Attacking Threat and Creative Hub
Morgan Gibbs-White operates as the traditional number ten, serving as the bridge between midfield and attack. His ability to find pockets of space between City’s defensive lines is crucial for feeding the clinical runs of striker Igor Jesus.
On the flanks, Omari Hutchinson and Callum Hudson-Odoi provide the width. Hutchinson, in particular, has emerged as a breakout star in the 2025/26 season, scoring the equalizer in the December 2025 clash at the City Ground before City’s late winner.
Manchester City Starting XI Analysis
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City continues to evolve, often transitioning between a 4-3-3 and a 3-2-4-1 in possession. In recent months, injuries to key defenders have forced Guardiola to integrate younger talents like Nico O’Reilly into the senior starting lineup.
The Defensive Crisis and Reinforcements
As of January 2026, City is navigating a significant injury crisis in central defense, with Ruben Dias (hamstring) and Josko Gvardiol (tibial fracture) both sidelined. This led to the recall of academy prospect Max Alleyne and heightened interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi during the January transfer window.
In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma has firmly established himself as the first choice, providing an imposing presence during set-pieces. The fullback positions are often occupied by Matheus Nunes and Josko Gvardiol (when fit), with Nunes often tucking into midfield to create an overload.
Midfield Mastery and “Bazball” Influence
The midfield trio of Tijjani Reijnders, Bernardo Silva, and Nico Gonzalez provides a high level of technical security. Reijnders has been a revelation since his arrival, consistently appearing on the scoresheet and providing the creative vision previously associated with Kevin De Bruyne.
Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki operate in the “half-spaces,” creating constant problems for opposition fullbacks. Cherki’s masterclass performance in late 2025, where he provided both a goal and an assist against Forest, has cemented his status as one of Europe’s elite young playmakers.
Historical Head-to-Head Statistics
The rivalry between the “Tricky Trees” and the “Citizens” has seen a resurgence since Forest’s return to the top flight. While City dominates the overall win count, the City Ground remains one of the few stadiums where Guardiola’s side has frequently dropped points.
Recent Match Results
In the last five Premier League meetings, Manchester City has won three, Forest has won one, and one match ended in a draw. The most notable result for Forest fans remains the 1-0 victory in March 2025, which was their first league win over City since 1995.
All-Time Record (Premier League Era)
| Team | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| Manchester City | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| Nottingham Forest | 1 | 1 | 5 |
Practical Information and Matchday Planning
Attending a match at the City Ground or the Etihad Stadium requires careful planning, especially given the high demand for tickets in the 2025/26 season.
- Ticket Prices: Premier League tickets at the City Ground typically range from £50 to £70 for adults, while hospitality packages can exceed £250.
- Getting to the City Ground: The stadium is easily accessible by the Number 11 bus from Nottingham city center or a 20-minute walk from the Nottingham Railway Station.
- Matchday Atmosphere: Gates usually open 90 minutes before kickoff. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to experience the famous “Mull of Kintyre” anthem sung by the Forest faithful.
- What to Expect: A high-intensity environment with a vocal home crowd. The City Ground is renowned for being one of the most atmospheric venues in the Premier League, especially during “under the lights” fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current manager of Nottingham Forest?
As of January 2026, Sean Dyche is the manager of Nottingham Forest, having replaced Nuno Espírito Santo to instill a more pragmatic and defensive style.
Is Erling Haaland playing against Nottingham Forest?
Yes, Erling Haaland is the primary striker for Manchester City and has started almost every league game against Forest when fit, maintaining a scoring record of nearly a goal per game.
What was the score in the last Nottingham Forest vs Man City match?
The most recent match on December 27, 2025, ended in a 2-1 victory for Manchester City at the City Ground.
Which Manchester City players are currently injured?
As of mid-January 2026, Ruben Dias (hamstring), Josko Gvardiol (tibial fracture), and John Stones (thigh) are all on the injury list.
How do I buy tickets for Nottingham Forest vs Man City?
Tickets are primarily sold to MyForest Members via the official Nottingham Forest website. Due to high demand, a ballot system is often used for high-profile games like the visit of Manchester City.
What is the capacity of the City Ground?
The City Ground has a capacity of approximately 30,445, though there are ongoing plans for stadium redevelopment to increase this to over 35,000.
Where can I watch the match on TV?
In the UK, Premier League matches are broadcast across Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and Amazon Prime Video. International viewers can often find games on NBC Sports (USA) or JioHotstar (India).
Who is Nottingham Forest’s captain?
Morgan Gibbs-White frequently captains the side, representing the creative heart and leadership of the modern Forest era.
Has Nottingham Forest ever won the Premier League?
Nottingham Forest won the old First Division title in 1978 but has yet to win the league in the modern Premier League era (post-1992).
Who scored for City in their 2-1 win over Forest?
The goals were scored by Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, with Omari Hutchinson scoring the lone goal for Forest.
Final Thoughts
The Nottingham Forest vs Man City matchup on December 27, 2025, served as a definitive case study in tactical evolution within the Premier League. For Manchester City, the shift to a 4-3-2-1 “Christmas Tree” formation allowed Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden to exploit the central “half-spaces,” a move that ultimately bypassed Nottingham Forest’s rigid defensive structure. Despite a spirited second-half comeback from the Reds, City’s ability to maintain a 66% possession rate and produce clinical late-game finishes remains the benchmark of their success under Pep Guardiola.
For Nottingham Forest, the performance signaled a successful ideological shift under manager Sean Dyche. By prioritizing a physical low block and utilizing the creative freedom of Omari Hutchinson and Morgan Gibbs-White, Forest proved they can compete with elite opposition even while battling a growing injury list that includes veteran striker Chris Wood. As both clubs navigate the high-stakes January transfer window—with City reinforcing their defense and Forest seeking attacking depth—their next encounter in 2026 is poised to be another masterclass in contrasting football philosophies.
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